4 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest
MILES GORDAN-DARBY 240.2 lbs v PHIL WILLIAMS 262 lbs
(Kingston, England)                           (Swindon, England)

followed by

6 x 3 mins International Light-Heavyweight contest
SAMMY LEE 193 lbsv JURIS ZUNDOVSKIS 179.5 lbs
(Swansea, Wales)         (Liepaja, Latvia)

followed by

4 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest
NATHAN HOWELLS 132 lbs v JAHFIEUS FAURE 130 lbs
(Newport, Wales)                       (Oldbury, England)

followed by

4 x 3 mins International Super-Featherweight
BRANDON SCOTT 129 lbs v REYNALDO CAJINA 133.11 lbs
(Swansea, Wales)                   (Managua, Nicragua)

followed by

8 x 2 mins International Featherweight
SKYE NICOLSON 127.15 lbs v LINDA LAURA LECCA 125.3 lbs
(Queensland, Australia)            (Lima, Peru)

19:00 LIVE ON DAZN

followed by

10 x 3 mins IBF European Cruiserweight Title 
JORDAN THOMPSON 199 lbs v LUKE WATKINS 198 lbs
(Manchester, England)                 (Swindon, England)

followed by

12 x 3 mins WBA Continental Super-Featherweight Title
ZELFA BARRETT 129.1 lbs v JASON SANCHEZ 128.10 lbs
(Manchester, England)            (Albuquerque, USA)  

followed by

12 x 3 mins British Lightweight Title
GAVIN GWYNNE 134.2 lbs v CRAIG WOODRUFF 133.15 lbs
(Treharris, Wales)                   (Newport, Wales)  

followed by

10 x 2 mins vacant WBO Welterweight World Title
SANDY RYAN 146.6 lbs v MARIE PIER HOULE 145.9 lbs
(Derby, England)              (Terrebonne, Canada)

followed by

12 x 3 mins IBF Super-Featherweight World Title
SHAVKATZDHON RAKHIMOV 129.7 lbs v JOE CORDINA 129.12 lbs
(Bokhtar, Tajikistan)                                      (Cardiff, Wales)

Joe Cordina re-claimed the IBF Super Featherweight Title with a 12-round split decision over Shavkatzhon Rakhimov in Cardiff, Wales.

In round two, Cordina dropped Rakhimov with a left hook In round six, Rakhimov began to bleed from around his left eye.

Cordina, 129.12 lbs of Cardiff, WAL won by scores of 115-112 and 114-113, while a third card had Rakhimov ahead by a 116-111 tally.

Cordina is 16-0. Rakhimov, 129.7 lbs of Bokhtar, TAJ is 17-1-1.

Sandy Ryan won the vacant WBO Welterweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Marie Pier Houle

Ryan, 146.6 lbs of Darby, ENG won by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 and is now 6-1. Houle, 145.9 lbs of Terrabonne, CAN is 8-1-1.

Gavin Gwynne stopped Craig Woodruff in round five of their 12-round lightweight bout.

In round, Gwynne landed head and body shots that backed Woodruff on the ropes until the fight was stopped at 2:02.

Gwynne, 134.2 lbs of Treharris, WAL is 16-2-1 with for knockouts. Woodruff, 133.15 lbs of Newport, WAL is 12-7-1.

Zelfa Barrett won a 12-round unanimous decision over Jason Sanchez in a super featherweight bout.

In round five, Barrett landed a hard right that put Sanchez on the canvas.

Barrett, 129.1 lbs of Manchester, ENG won by scores 119-108, 118-110 and 116-111 and is now 29-2. Sanchez, 128.10 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 16-4.

Jordan Thompson stopped Luke Watkins in round six of their 10-round cruiserweight bout.

Thompson dropped Watkins twice in round six.

Thompson, 199 lbs of Manchester, ENG is 15-0 with 12 knockouts. Watkins, 198 lbs of Swindon, ENG is 16-3,

Sammy Lee stopped Juris Zundovskis after the opening round of their six-round light heavyweight bout.

Lee, 193 lbs of Swansea, WAL is 2-0 with one stoppage. Zundovskis, 179.5 lbs of Latvia is 6-6.

Miles Gordan-Darby won a four-round decision over Phil Williams in a heavyweight fight.

Fordan-Darby, 240.2 lbs of Kingston, ENG won by a 39-37 score and is 4-0.

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:

“Well good afternoon everyone, Prynhawn Da from here in Cardiff, a head of a huge World Title doubleheader on Saturday night as we said, rolling into the incredible fight between Ryan Garcia and Gervonta Davis live and exclusive on DAZN around the world on Saturday night. The continuation of a tremendous schedule of course coming off the Anthony Joshua victory on April 1. Cardiff this Saturday, we go to Guadalajara and another one of Tony Sims in charge, John Ryder fights for the undisputed World Championship against Canelo Alvarez in front of 55,000 in Guadalajara. A couple of weeks later, of course, Katie Taylor returns to Dublin, for the first time against fellow undisputed champion Chantelle Cameron in a tremendous fight and the week after Leigh Wood gets his chance to become World Champion again against Mauricio Lara. Unbelievable schedule coming your way on DAZN and an unbelievable main event for us on Saturday night.”

Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov:

“I’m born ready. I have a very good team with me. I have a great, the best coach in Freddie Roach. We know the key to the victory and we will prove it on Saturday. We will just show it in the ring on Saturday.”

Freddie Roach:

“We’ve had a really good training camp, especially the last couple of months in my gym. And we have a lot of good sparring partners. I have 14 Pro fighters and he has out powered everyone. I mean, he’s in great shape for this fight and he’s ready. We know we’re in a tough fight and it is a great place to have it.

“In some way you know I hear how fast our opponent is and how quick he is and so forth. But when I watched the tapes I’m really not impressed with his speed and I think I have the faster and stronger person and I think that will make the difference in the fight.”

Egis Kilmas:

“Thank you for having us here in Cardiff. I remember, this city brings me very good memories. One of my fighters Sergey Kovalev became a champion 10 years ago, and so we are happy to be back. We know it’s not going to be an easy fight, Cordina is a very good fighter, but Rakhimov is ready to defend his title.”

Joe Cordina:

“Yeah, of course. People ask me, What do you think of him? He’s a World Champion at the end of the day.. He’s tough. He’s strong. He’s fit. But you’ve got to have that little bit more and I just don’t believe he has it to beat me. But we will see on Saturday. I’m grateful that I’ve got the opportunity once again, thanks to you Matchroom and DAZN for giving me this opportunity back in my hometown. But yeah it’s gonna be a tough night.

“The anthems, the performances and all that is amazing, but first and foremost, we have to get that win for me to bring big nights of boxing back to Cardiff again and again and again like Joe Calzaghe did and give other fighters that opportunity to showcase their talent around the world.

“So that was always my plan when I came into pro boxing. So yeah, for me, that’s what I wanted to do. And I believe, after my last win last year in June that was the start. But we’ve had a little bit of a break. So now I get this title back on Saturday. And then that’s the start where all the big nights will be happening once again.

“Like you said, his aggression when he comes forward is fairly strong. And he does look to anger but I will aim put it out early. So, it could end in the distance, but I’ll just go out there to win. And then I push on but yeah, I said the same with Ogawa. I just want to get the win and move on. And  like I said if it goes within the distance, I’m happy because like you say, in boxing you don’t get paid for overtime.I’ve said it over and over again to people asked me how long you’ve been boxing. It’s mad you live away in Essex when you’re in camp. I’ve been doing this for 10-11 years. When I started boxing at 16, two years later, 18, I was on a GB squad and from then I lived in Sheffield for seven and a half years to improve – I just knew for me to keep away from all the distractions I had to move away. And then I was in camp with Tony Sims since I was 18, now I’m 31. I’ve been living away from home sacrificing missing my kids their birthdays, even their first birthday, I nearly missed two of their births. So everything I’m doing now and sacrificing that was for them in the future and he’s standing in a way for me providing for my kids. So yeah, it’s a big night for me on Saturday.”

Tony Sims:

“Yeah, it is. It was like a freak injury. And as you say it was the first round of the spa, the first the first shot he landed and it was just a freak injury, obviously he’s had surgery on it. And you know, in the end it is all good now and he’s got his opportunity to regain the title. And you know it’s going to be a really hard fight. Rakhimov is a really good fighter. He’s tough, so it’s gonna be hard, but Joe’s training diligently for this fight and he’s been down in my gym in Essex since January. And you know, he’s in fantastic condition – mentally and physically, he’s ready to go.

“Freddie, as you say, he is a legend in our sport. You know, he’s had so many world champions you normally wouldn’t be training him if he didn’t think the fighter was good. So, we know we have got a tough job on our hands, but I believe in Joe Cordina, his boxing IQ is second to none. And it’s gonna be a great night, the atmosphere is going to be fantastic in the arena. And we are just looking forward to Saturday night getting in the ring now.”

Charlie Sims:

“Yeah, it was obviously a great moment for the team. Great moment for Joe when he won the World Title. It was just astonishing. Knockout was amazing to see.

“Then the disappointment. We felt it was unfair that obviously he got stripped from being injured but Matchroom, Eddie and Frank made a promise to get the title back, bring it back to Cardiff and give us the opportunity.

“Now it’s up to the team up to Joe Cordina to make the opportunity count to become a two-time World Champion in the city of Cardiff.”

Joe Cordina is promising to take out his frustration on IBF Super-Featherweight World Champion Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov when the rivals collide at the Cardiff International Arena this Saturday April 22, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand).

The Welshman (15-0, 9 KOs) achieved a life-long dream as he clinched the IBF Super-Featherweight World Title on a memorable evening in his home city of Cardiff last June, flattening Japan’s Kenichi Ogawa with the knockout of his life in the second round. 

“It was a shot that me and Tony worked on for hours and hours in the gym,” recalled Cordina. “It just felt like putting my hand in water, it was that clean. I looked at him and his head had bounced off the canvas, and I just thought, ‘he’s finished’. Going to the corner, I could see him trying to get up and I started to panic a bit – I don’t need to do 12 rounds here! Good night, he was asleep.”

That elation was soon replaced by devastation. Cordina was scheduled to make the first defence of his World Title against Rakhimov in Abu Dhabi last November but suffered a hand injury that required surgery, and he was subsequently stripped of his title by the IBF.

“My first week back sparring, I threw my first proper backhand, and I just felt something pop in my hand and I was thinking, ‘oh my god’,” remembered Cordina. “The lady at the X-ray told me it was a clean break. I had the operation. It was after my surgery that I knew I was getting stripped. That wasn’t a nice moment, I’m not going to lie. I was in a bit of a bad place. I didn’t really want to see people, I was stuck in the house for like two weeks. Then I was like, ‘f*** this I need to get out’.

‘The Welsh Wizard’ was ringside at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi for Rakhimov’s ninth-round stoppage win over Manchester’s Zelfa Barrett which claimed the Tajikistan fighter the vacant IBF crown. It was a tough watch for Cordina, but the 31-year-old now has the opportunity to put things right and regain the title that he never lost in the ring.

“It was quite frustrating me being there and watching those two (Rakhimov and Barrett) – I’m not going to lie. I looked at him (Rakhimov) and said, ‘I’m going to f*** you up, see that? (clenches right hand) I’m going to land that right on your chin’. I just kept saying, ‘I’m going to f*** you up’ – that’s all I kept saying. In my head that’s my belt, I need to get that back. I never lost my title in the ring, I haven’t had a chance to defend it. I’m going into this fight as a challenger, but in my head I’m a World Champion and I have the confidence of a World Champion.”

Freddie Roach-trained Rakhimov (17-0-1, 14 KOs) looked impressive as he came from behind to wear down and stop Barrett, but former Team GB star Cordina insists that he is prepared for anything this weekend and won’t be denied the chance to create history by becoming a two-time Champion of the World. 

“Shavkat Rakhimov – he’s tough, he’s strong, he’s fit and he can punch hard. I always say, you have to have a little bit more than just that to beat me. I’m a little bit better than him in all the boxes. I believe I’ve got a very good boxing brain. My ring IQ is second to none. My footwork is a different level. I’m good on the inside, I can fight up close. I can fight going backwards. I can pretty much do it all.

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m not perfect in any way, shape or form and I’m not the finished article, but he has to have a little bit more than just being tough and strong and being able to punch to beat me. He isn’t really brining anything that I’ve never seen before. There’s not a man on the planet that I fear. I’ll find a way to put you on the deck.”

Rakhimov vs. Cordina headlines a huge night of boxing in Cardiff; Welsh rivals Gavin Gwynne (15-2-1, 3 KOs) and Craig Woodruff (12-6-1, 4 KOs) rematch for the British Lightweight Title following their thrilling draw at the Bolton Whites Hotel last September, Manchester Cruiserweight Jordan Thompson (14-0, 11 KOs) puts his IBF European Title on the line against Swindon’s Luke Watkins (16-2, 11 KOs), Derby’s Sandy Ryan (5-1, 2 KOs) clashes with Canada’s Marie Pier Houle (8-0-1, 2 KOs) for the vacant WBO Welterweight Title, Manchester’s former World Title challenger Zelfa Barrett (28-2, 16 KOs) faces the USA’s Jason Sanchez (16-3, 9 KOs) for the WBA Continental Super-Featherweight Title, Australia’s Skye Nicolson (6-0) steps up against Peru’s Linda Laura Lecca (15-6-2, 3 KOs) over eight rounds at Featherweight, Swansea Super-Bantamweight Brandon Scott (4-0, 1 KO) takes on Reynaldo Cajina (15-79-5, 11 KOs) over four rounds, Newport Super-Featherweight Nathan Howells (5-0-1) meets Oldbury’s Jahfieus Faure over four rounds, Swansea Light-Heavyweight Sammy Lee (1-0) fights Latvia’s Juris Zundovskis (6-5, 5 KOs) over six rounds and Kingston Heavyweight Miles Gordan-Darby (3-0) takes on Swindon’s Phil Williams (5-41-1, 1 KO) over four rounds. 

Limited remaining tickets can be purchased via Stage Front.

Chantelle Cameron won the undisputed Super Lightweight Title with a 10 round unanimous decision over Jessica McCaskill.

Cameron of Northampton, ENG won by scores of 97-93 and 96-94 twice and is now 17-0. McCaskill of Chicago is 12-3.

Shavkhatdzhon Rakhimov won the vacant IBF Super Featherweight title with a ninth round stoppage over Zelfa Barrett.

In round three, Barrett landed a big right hand that drove Rakhimov into the ropes for a knockdown.

In round nine, Rakhimov started walking down and landing hard punches on Barrett until he put Barrett on the deck. Barrett clearly had a issue with his leg, and Rakhimov just started unloading on his prey. The onslaught continued until another flurry sent Barrett to the canvas, and the fight was stopped at

Rakhimov of Boktar, TAJ is 17-0-1 with 14 knockouts. Barrett of Manchester, ENG is 26-2.

Galal Yafai eked out a 10-round split decision over Gohan Rodriguez Garcia in a flyweight bout.

Yafai of Birmingham, ENG won by scores of 96-94, 96-95 and Garcia won a card 96-95.

Yafai is 3-0. Garcia of Gomez Palacio, MEX is 12-2-1.

John Lawrence Ordonio won a four-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Majid Al Naqbi in a super lightweight fight.

Ordonio of San Fernando City, PHL won by scores of 40-36 twice and 39-37 and is now 8-4-1. Al Naqbi of Dubai, UAE is 7-1.

Former world champion Khalid Yafai survived an early knockdown to win a thin 10-round unanimous decision over Jerald Paclar in a bantamweight bout.

In round one, Paclar dropped Yafai with a short right to the jaw.

Yafai of Birmingham, ENG won by scores of 96-93 twice and 95-94 and is now 27-1. Paclar of Cebu City, PHL is 16-6-3.

Sultan Al Nuaimi remained undefeated by stopping Sohaib Haque in round seven of a scheduled eight-round bantamweight bout.

The time of the stoppage was 2:26 for Al Nuaimi of Dubai who is now 9-0 with six knockouts. Haque of Calcutta, IND is 4-3.

Aqib Fiaz remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Diego Valtierra in a lightweight contest.

Fiaz of Oldham, ENG won by scores of 80-72 twice and 79-73 and is now 10-0. Valtierra of Algortal, SPA is 6-6-2.

Campbell Hatton remained undefeated with a first round stoppage over Denis Bartos in a six-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Campbell put Bartos down with a double right hand to the body. Hatton ended things seconds later by landing a left to the body that put Bartos down for the 10-count at 1:44.

Hatton of Hyde, ENG is 9-0 with three knockouts. Bartos of Rakovnik, CZE is 9-6.

Fahad Al Bloushi won a six-round unanimous decision over Irakli Shariashvili in a lightweight fight.

Al Bloushi of Dubai, UAE won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice and is now 11-1. Shariashvili of Rustavi, GEO is 7-13-1.

Zelfa Barrett will face Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov for the vacant IBF Super-Featherweight World Title on a huge night of World Championship boxing at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on Saturday November 5, live to subscribers worldwide on DAZN (excluding South Korea and MENA).

Joe Cordina was set to make the first defence of his IBF World Title on the stacked undercard of Dmitry Bivol’s WBA Light-Heavyweight World Title clash with Mexico’s Gilberto Zurdo Ramirez, but the Welshman suffered a hand injury that required surgery and was subsequently stripped of his title by the IBF.

Manchester’s Barrett (28-1, 16 KOs) is ranked at No.2 with the IBF and is next in line to fight for the famous red and gold belt against the IBF’s No.1 ranked Super-Featherweight Rakhimov (16-0-1, 13 KOs) – who gets a second opportunity to fight for the 130lbs crown following his draw with an overweight Joseph Diaz last year.

‘Brown Flash’ lands his dream World Title shot after a string of impressive wins that have pushed the 29-year-old up the world rankings, including a shutout points win over South Africa’s Bruno Tarimo in their World Title eliminator bout last December and another wide points win over Faroukh Kourbanov to claim the European Title at the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena in June.

Olympic gold medal star Galal Yafai (2-0, 2 KOs) will defend his WBC International Flyweight Title against Mexico’s Gohan Rodriguez Garcia (12-1-1, 1 KO). The pair were originally slated to meet on the now postponed Chris Eubank Jr vs. Conor Benn undercard in London but will lock horns a month later on the historic ‘Champion Series’ event.

Kal Yafai (26-1, 15 KOs), older brother of Galal, fights for the first time since losing his WBA Super-Flyweight World Title to modern great Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez at The Ford Center at The Star, Frisco back in February 2020.

Hyde Lightweight prospect Campbell Hatton (8-0, 2 KOs), son of British boxing legend Ricky, goes for his fourth win of 2022 after notching wins over Joe Ducker at The O2 in February, Ezequiel Gregores at Manchester Arena in April and most recently Michal Dufek at Sheffield Arena in August.

Oldham Super-Featherweight Aqib Fiaz (9-0) fights outside of the UK for the first time as a pro when he meets Spain’s Diego Valtierra (6-5-2, 2 KOs) over 8 rounds, plus there’s action for Dubai Super-Featherweight Fahad Al Bloushi (10-1, 2 KOs), Dubai Lightweight Majid Al Naqbi (7-0, 4 KOs) and undefeated UAE Super-Flyweight Sultan Al Nuaimi (8-0).

“It’s amazing to be fighting for the IBF Super-Featherweight World Title in Abu Dhabi on a big show,” said Barrett. “I feel like it’s deserved. I had a World Title Eliminator last year and I’m ranked No.2 in the world with the IBF. I’ve been in the gym and I’ve always said I’m two fights away from being a World Champion. I beat Bruno Tarimo and then I beat Faroukh Kourbanov. So now I’m here and it’s my time to shine. 

“Rakhimov is a very good fighter. He comes forward, he’s aggressive and he’s got a good boxing brain. I’m expecting a tough fight and a tough 12 rounds. We’re going to have to work every second of every minute of every round. I’m preparing for that and I’m going to leave no stone unturned. We’re putting everything into this opportunity. 

“Of course you’d like more notice but I’ve been in the gym training and working hard anyway. When we got the call, we were ready. No doubt. Anyone would like more time to prepare but this is what makes me different to the other fighters. Some fighters get 12 weeks, some fighters get 10 weeks, I’ll do it in 6 and look good doing it too.”

“Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov against Zelfa Barrett for the vacant IBF Super-Featherweight World Title is another 50-50 fight for Abu Dhabi’s new ‘Champion Series’,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Rakhimov is a very good fighter. He’s a former IBO World Champion and has already fought for the IBF World Title. Zelfa is a guy who’s earned his shot. He fought an IBF Eliminator Tarimo and he’s ready to go. This is a massive opportunity for him in neutral territory on a huge show to go and change his life.

“Zelfa Barrett as World Champion against Joe Cordina coming back to try and regain his World Championship is a massive fight for British boxing. Joe will be really down and frustrated at the moment, but he will get that World Title shot as soon as he resumes his career – hopefully that will be against Zelfa Barrett and we’ll get a massive all-British fight. Three World Title fights and a stacked undercard featuring Olympic Champions, former World Champions and some of the best up and coming prospects from around the world – we can’t wait for November 5!”

Tickets for the World Title triple-header Dh 100, with limited VIP packages including ringside seats. All tickets are on sale at www.etihadarena.ae.

Joe Cordina will make the maiden defence of his IBF Super-Featherweight World Title against Mandatory Challenger ShavkatdzhonRakhimov at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on Saturday November 5, live to subscribers worldwide on DAZN (excluding South Korea and MENA).

Cordina vs. Rakhimov lands on the undercard of the huge WBA Light-Heavyweight World Title clash between undefeated rivals Dmitry Bivol and Gilberto Zurdo Ramirez – Matchroom’s first ever show in the United Arab Emirates.

‘The Welsh Wizard’ (15-0, 9 KOs) captured the famous red and gold belt with a stunning one-punch knockout of Japan’s Kenichi Ogawa on a memorable night at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff earlier this year in June to become the latest Welsh World Champion.

Tajikistan’s Rakhimov (16-0-1, 13 KOs) challenged for the vacant IBF belt against an overweight Joseph Diaz at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio last year – pushing the American all the way in a majority draw for the title that only he could win. 

‘Shere Khan’ was presented with a second opportunity to fight for the IBF 140lbs World Title against Ogawa – but was forced to withdraw from the scheduled bout due to injury. The 27-year-old is currently the highest ranked contender with the IBF.

“I know it’s going to be a tough fight so I’m going to be prepared for 12 hard rounds,” said Cordina. “I know I’m going to have to bite down on my gumshield and dig my toes in. It’s going to get tough in there but I’m going to be prepared for that.

“Nothing has really changed since I won the World Title back in June. My mentality is still the same, I still want to be the best in the world – I want to win more titles. I’ve reached my goal of becoming World Champion but now I’ve set new goals which include becoming a unified and undisputed World Champion.

“It’s great to be a part of the first show in Abu Dhabi. I’ve been a part of some big nights in boxing – the Joshua vs. Klitschko show in front of a sold-out Wembley Stadium, Bramall Lane Stadium with Kell Brook against Errol Spence and two Joshua fights at the Principality Stadium. To be a part of another historic show is unbelievable and another one ticked off my list.”

“We have a huge night of World Championship boxing planned for Abu Dhabi on November 5 and Joe Cordina vs. Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov is the first addition to an all-action undercard,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “The Welsh Wizard landed the IBF Super-Featherweight World Title with an epic one-punch knockout win in his home city earlier this year but that’s just the start of the journey for Welsh boxing’s latest star. Joe has ambitions of becoming undisputed at 130lbs but first he needs to get past an incredibly tough first defence in the shape of IBF number one Rakhimov who has already challenged for the IBF crown.”

An announcement on tickets will follow in due course. Sign up HERE for Bivol vs. Ramirez bulletins and ticket updates.

INDIO, CALIF. (Feb. 11, 2021): Joseph Diaz Jr. (31-1, 15 KOs) and Shavkat Rakhimov (15-0, 12 KOs) hosted their final press conference today at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino ahead of their 12-round fight for Diaz Jr.’s IBF Junior Lightweight Championship.

The fight, which will headline a stacked card of action, will take place this Saturday, Feb. 13 and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN in more than 200 countries and territories, including the U.S., Mexico, Russia, Tajikistan, Brazil and Argentina.

Below is what both fighters had to say at the presser:

Joseph Diaz Jr, IBF Junior Lightweight World Champion:

“I’m focused on going out there and performing at my best. I want to entertain fight fans and show them what I am all about. I want to show that I am the best at 130 pounds.”

“It’s been a year-long layoff, but it’s been a great year-long layoff. I was able to witness the birth of my son, and I was able to spend some time away from boxing. I was able to enjoy life as a normal person.”

“But now I have this tough challenger ahead of me. We’ve taken this fight very seriously. We know exactly what he is all about. We know what he’s capable of doing, and we know he is a serious threat, but we know we’ll be able to adapt to anything on Saturday night.”

“I don’t feel like I get the respect that I deserve in this division. In my career in general, I haven’t gotten the respect that I deserve. But it’s all good. I’ve already dealt with so much adversity in my life. I’m already immune to it. I just focus on training as hard as I can to get the job done that night.”

“I faced a bit of adversity in the Gary Russell Jr. fight. I learned a lot that night. But I won’t let anything else prevent me from being what I want to be and doing what I want to do I the ring.”

“I’m ready for anything this Saturday. I’m ready for anything that he will bring to the table. If he thinks he will come in here and overwhelm me with his power–that is not going to happen. I’m strong and I’m big just like him. I will be able to take his shots and give them back. I worked my ass off to get this belt, and I’m not letting go.”

Shavkat Rakhimov, World Title Challenger:

“I have been waiting for this moment for a long time. My dream has finally come true, so I am very glad.”

“Our game plan this Saturday is to do anything possible to win the fight. The key is to do anything that needs to be done to win. Diaz is going to be in for a big surprise on Saturday.”

“JoJo is a good boxer. But he will not be able to handle my power.”

#

Diaz Jr. vs. Rakhimov is a 12-round fight for the IBF Junior Lightweight World Title presented by Golden Boy in association with RCC Boxing Promotions. Teixeira vs. Castaño is the 12-round co-main event for the WBO
Junior Middleweight World Championship presented by Golden Boy in association with TGB Promotions. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle,” “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts,” and O’Reilly Auto Parts. Better Parts, Better Prices…everyday! The fight will take place Saturday, Feb. 13 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN in more than 200 countries and territories, including the U.S., Mexico, Russia, Tajikistan, Brazil and Argentina.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #DiazRakhimov

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/DiazRakhimov into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy or Main Events where applicable for any photo and/or video usage.

INDIO, CALIF. (Jan. 21, 2021): Two exciting in-house battles between some of Golden Boy’s best talent will head toFantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. on the undercard of Diaz vs. Rakhimov as Ronny Rios (32-3, 16 KOs) and Oscar “El Jaguar” Negrete (19-2-2, 7 KOs) face off in a super bantamweight battle and Jason Quigley (18-1, 14 KOs) and Shane Mosley Jr. (16-3, 9 KOs) fight for the NABO Middleweight Title.

The stacked event will take place Saturday, Feb. 13 and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN in more than 200 countries and territories, including the U.S., Mexico, Russia, Tajikistan, Brazil and Argentina.

“Golden Boy’s first journey to Fantasy Springs in 2021 picks up right where we left off—with an action-packed card from top to bottom,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “A true crossroads fight will see Jason Quigley and Shane Mosley Jr. leaving it all in the ring to regain contender status in the middleweight division. And after upsetting my cousin Diego De La Hoya, Ronny Rios will look to keep it rolling against an always-tough customer in Oscar Negrete, whose only two losses have come to a world champion.”

Rios is a 30-year-old contender of Santa Ana, California who is coming off three consecutive stoppage wins, including a dominant knockout victory of then-undefeated Diego De La Hoya in 2019. Rios plans to capitalize on this opportunity in convincing fashion in order to accelerate his path to another world title shot.

“COVID-19 robbed all of us of something, whether it was memories, family members, friends, or in my case, a year of my boxing career,” said Ronny Rios. “I have lost opportunities to make up for, and I’m hungrier than I’ve ever been. That’s not good news for Oscar Negrete. I have a lot of respect for Oscar, but at the end of the day, I have one job and that’s to break the will of every opponent I face. My time to capitalize on the momentum I’ve built in this sport starts with this fight.”

Negrete, a 33-year-old native of Tierralta, Colombia, will return to 122 pounds after a unanimous decision victory against two-time Olympian Alberto “Impacto” Melian and an unforgettable trilogy against Joshua “The Professor” Franco,who is now a world champion.

“I am delighted to be returning to the ring against Ronny Rios on February 13,” said Oscar Negrete. “Both he and I have a style that is very aggressive, and that’s going to guarantee a real war inside the ring. This fight will be very important in determining the future of this competitive division. That’s why I’ll be training at 100% in order to walk away with the victory and earn another opportunity at a world title.”

Quigley, a 29-year-old native of Donegal, Ireland will return after knockout victories against Abraham Cordero and Fernando Marin. He’ll look to regain his spot in the division after suffering his first and only defeat against Tureano Johnson in 2019.

“I feel more than ready for this fight,” said Jason Quigley. “I worked hard during lockdown and have stayed ready to fight at any time. I have to go in there and take care of business. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to fight on this card.”

Mosley Jr., a 30-year-old native of Pomona, California, will seek to earn a top stop at the division after signing with Golden Boy in 2020 and defeating Jeremy Ramos in his last outing.

“I want to thank everyone at Golden Boy and The Contender for giving us this opportunity,” said Shane Mosley Jr. “I have been working extremely hard, and I’m ready to show that I belong among the best in the world. Make sure to watch me live on DAZN on February 13 against an excellent fighter in Jason Quigley.”

The card will also feature many rising prospects and contenders.

Uzbek Olympian Bektemir “Bully” Melikuziev (6-0, 5 KOs) will make his highly anticipated return in a 10-round super middleweight clash.

Explosive Armenian contender Azat “Crazy A” Hovhannisyan (18-3, 15 KOs) will return in a 10-round super bantamweight bout.

Victor Morales (13-0, 7 KOs), the charismatic rising prospect of Vancouver, Washington, will participate in an eight-round featherweight bout against Jose Gonzalez (23-8-1, 13 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico.

Hawaiian prospect Dalis Kaleiopu will make his professional debut in a four-round lightweight fight against Eduardo Sanchez (2-3) of Corcoran, California.

The opponents for Melikuziev and Hovhannisyan will be announced shortly.

Diaz Jr. vs. Rakhimov is a 12-round fight for the IBF Junior Lightweight World Title presented by Golden Boy in association with RCC Boxing Promotions. Teixeira vs. Castaño is the 12-round co-main event for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship presented by Golden Boy in association with TGB Promotions. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle,” “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts,” and O’Reilly Auto Parts. Better Parts, Better Prices…everyday! The fight will take place Saturday, Feb. 13 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN in more than 200 countries and territories, including the U.S., Mexico, Russia, Tajikistan, Brazil and Argentina.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #DiazRakhimov

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/DiazRakhimov into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy or Main Events where applicable for any photo and/or video usage.

LOS ANGELES (Dec. 18, 2020): A new era has begun in the career of Joseph “JoJo” Diaz (31-1, 15 KOs) as he makes the first defense of his IBF Junior Lightweight World Title against mandatory challenger Shavkatdzhon “Shere Khan” Rakhimov (15-0, 12 KOs) in a 12-round battle between two southpaws with highly decorated amateur backgrounds. The co-main event will also feature a classic battle between Brasil’s Patrick Teixeira, who will defend his WBO Junior Middleweight World Title, and Argentine mandatory challenger Brian “El Boxi” Castaño.

The event will take place Saturday, Feb. 13 and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN in more than 200 countries and territories, including the U.S., Mexico, Russia, Tajikistan, Brazil and Argentina.

Information regarding the venue and undercard will be announced shortly.

“After his participation in the Olympics and turning professional, Joseph had one goal: become a world champion,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “Everyone at Golden Boy Promotions was so proud when Joseph had his hand raised and realized his dream. Now that he’s got that belt, he’s not giving it back any time soon.”

Diaz Jr. is a 28-year-old southpaw who represented the U.S. at the 2012 Olympic games in London. Immediately after, Diaz Jr. signed with Golden Boy and began a stellar career that has included fights against Gary Russell Jr., Andrew “El Chango” Cancio, Jesus Rojas, and Rafael “Big Bang” Rivera. In his last fight, the native of South El Monte, Calif. defeated Tevin “American Idol” Farmer to become the IBF Junior Lightweight Champion, which began a new phase of his career as he begins to take over the division.

“Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov is a very good fighter who is highly ranked throughout the world,” said Joseph Diaz Jr. “I know he’s been aching for a world title shot, but I’m ready to go out there and showcase that I’m willing to fight the best and defend my title with whoever wants to step in that ring with me. I’m the hungriest I’ve ever been, and there is nothing that he brings to the table that can affect me.”

“In my first main event on DAZN, I’m going to show to the world that I am the biggest threat at 130 pounds and a household name,” Diaz Jr. continued. “Not only am I doing this for myself, but I’m also doing this for my family. I fight to motivate people to keep on pushing and continue pursuing the dreams they have through the ups and downs in life. That’s my purpose. Come Feb. 13, I’m going to shine. It’s my time!”

Rakhimov is a 26-year-old puncher who earned gold medals in some of the world’s most prestigious international amateur tournaments. In 2015, the native of Qurghonteppa, Tajikistan made his professional debut, and in only his 11th fight as a professional, he captured the IBO Super Featherweight Title by scoring a sixth-round technical knockout over Emanuel Lopez. He defended the title three times, and one of those victories was against experienced contender Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos. Though no longer holding the IBO belt, he remains undefeated as he looks to capture a belt from one of the four recognized sanctioning bodies.

“I’ve been waiting for this chance for a long time,” Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov. “Thank you for this opportunity to my team. My training camp is long one but very good. I will do my best to win this fight. I came here for the victory!”

In the co-main event, Patrick Teixeira (31-1, 22 KOs) of Sau Paulo, Brazil will make the first defense of his WBO Super Junior Middleweight World Title against undefeated challenger Brian “El Boxi” Castaño (16-0-1, 12 KOs) of Buenos Aires, Argentina in a 12-round battle.

“I am very confident about this fight against Brian Castaño,” said Patrick Teixeira. “I am ready to defeat him and keep my title. The fight will be a war. It will be a bit show for all the boxing fans.”

Diaz Jr. vs. Rakhimov is a 12-round fight for the IBF Junior Lightweight World Title presented by Golden Boy in association with RCC Boxing Promotions. The fight will take place Saturday, Feb. 13 and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN in more than 200 countries and territories, including the U.S., Mexico, Russia, Tajikistan, Brazil and Argentina.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #DiazRakhimov

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/DiazRakhimov into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy or Main Events where applicable for any photo and/or video usage.